Evaluate requirements for the upgrade
In this tutorial, we will learn about the upgrade requirements. However, you can upgrade from SQL Server 2012 (11.x), SQL Server 2014 (12.x), SQL Server 2016 (13.x), and SQL Server 2017 (14.x).
Pre upgrade Checklist
- Firstly, before upgrading from one edition of SQL Server 2019 (15.x) to another, verify that the functionality you are currently using is supported in the edition to which you are moving.
- Secondly, verify supported hardware and software.
- Thirdly, before upgrading SQL Server, enable Windows Authentication for SQL Server Agent and verify the default configuration: that the SQL Server Agent service account is a member of the SQL Server sysadmin group.
- Next, to upgrade to SQL Server 2019 (15.x), you must be running a supported operating system.
- However, upgrade will be blocked:
- if there is a pending restart.
- Or if the Windows Installer service is not running.
Unsupported Scenarios
- Firstly, cross-version instances of SQL Server 2019 (15.x) are not supported. Version numbers of the Database Engine components must be the same in an instance of SQL Server 2019 (15.x).
- Secondly, SQL Server 2019 (15.x) is only available for 64-bit platforms. Cross-platform upgrade is not supported. You cannot upgrade a 32-bit instance of SQL Server to native 64-bit using SQL Server Setup. However, you can back up or detach databases from a 32-bit instance of SQL Server. And then, restore or attach them to a new instance of SQL Server (64-bit) if the databases are not published in replication.
- Thirdly, you cannot add new features during the upgrade of your existing instance of SQL Server. After you upgrade an instance of SQL Server to SQL Server 2019 (15.x). Then, you can add features by using the SQL Server 2019 (15.x) Setup.
Migrate to SQL Server 2019
You can migrate databases from older versions. For example, you can migrate databases from SQL Server 2008 R2 to SQL Server 2019. However, the following tips and tools can help you plan and implement your migration.
- Firstly, Migration tools: Migration is supported through Data Migration Assistant (DMA).
- Secondly, Backup and restore: A backup taken on SQL Server 2008 or SQL Server 2008 R2 can be restored to SQL Server 2019.
- Thirdly, Log shipping: Log shipping is supported if primary is running SQL Server 2008 SP3 or later, or SQL Server 2008 R2 SP2 or later. And secondary is running SQL Server 2019.
- Lastly, Bulk load: Tables can be bulk copied from SQL Server 2008 or SQL Server 2008 R2 to SQL Server 2019.
SQL Server 2019 (15.x) Edition Upgrade
The following table lists the supported edition upgrade scenarios in SQL Server 2019 (15.x).
Reference: Microsoft Documentation